Visa Sponsor Kitchen Assistant Jobs in USA 2025 – Apply Here

In the dynamic world of culinary arts, kitchen assistants play a crucial role in maintaining smooth kitchen operations. Whether in bustling restaurants, hotel kitchens, bistros, or cafeterias, their behind-the-scenes efforts ensure timely, hygienic, and efficient food preparation.

For international job seekers looking to enter the U.S. food industry, kitchen assistant roles with visa sponsorship present a unique opportunity to gain experience and live the American dream.

Job Details:

• Position: Kitchen Assistant
• Location: Various cities across the USA
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Visa Sponsorship: Available (for selected employers)
• Experience Required: Entry-level to 1–2 years (depending on employer)

Check Also: Visa Sponsorship Chef De Partie Jobs in USA – Apply Today

Responsibilities:

Kitchen assistants are expected to:

• Support chefs during food prep and cooking
• Clean dishes, cookware, and kitchen surfaces
• Handle and store food safely, following hygiene standards
• Prepare ingredients (e.g., chopping vegetables, measuring items)
• Maintain inventory and assist in unpacking and organizing supplies
• Help with basic cooking under supervision, such as making salads or assembling platters

Job Requirements:

Most employers look for candidates who have:

• Physical stamina: Ability to work long shifts on foot and lift heavy items
• Attention to detail: Precision in measurements, hygiene, and plating
• Time management skills: Work efficiently to meet kitchen timelines
• Teamwork and communication: Collaborate well with chefs and coworkers
• Basic English skills: To follow instructions and safety guidelines

Formal education or culinary training is not always required, though it’s considered a plus.

Types of Kitchen Assistant Roles:

You may find several job variants under this title, including:

• Prep Cook: Responsible for the initial steps in the preparation of dishes, such as slicing vegetables into smaller pieces or portioning meats according to the chef’s request.
• Dishwasher: Typically responsible for the cleaning of kitchenware, cutlery, and other related items.
• Line Cook Assistant: The line cook is responsible for a variety of tasks, such as preparing recipes, slicing ingredients, placing orders, cleaning, and occasionally prepping recipes to either assist the line cooks or perform basic cookery.
• Pastry assistant: A pastry assistant is responsible for the preparation and garnishing of cakes, pastries, and other sweet dishes in the pastry area, as well as the sweeping and mopping of floors in the culinary area.
• Butcher Assistant: Assists in the actual working area of meats, such as the dicing, boning, or portioning of meats as necessary.
• Salad Preparation: Ensure that the meals are visually appealing while also preserving the cleanliness and freshness of the salads and chilled tables.
• Cafeteria Workers: Popular in institutions such as schools, hospitals, or large corporations that assist in the preparation and serving of food for a large number of individuals.
• Manager Assistant: Executes responsibilities in the cold kitchen specialty area, which encompasses the preparation of salad dishes, pâtés, and hors d’oeuvres.
• Banquet Kitchen Assistant: Assists in the preparation and serving of meals that include banquets, receptions, and ceremonies.
• Breakfast Cook Assistant: Prepares antipasto, a unique dish that is served with breakfast cuisines such as pancakes and eggs.

Salary Expectations:

Kitchen assistant salaries vary based on location, employer type, and experience:

• Hourly Wage: $10 – $15/hour (USD)
• Annual Estimate: $20,000 – $30,000/year (for full-time roles)

Urban areas or large hospitality groups may offer slightly higher pay, overtime, or bonuses.

Benefits:

Employers in the U.S. often offer the following to kitchen staff:

1. Legal Work Visa Sponsorship (e.g., H-2B or J-1 Visa)

Many employers participate in U.S. temporary worker visa programs such as the H-2B for non-agricultural roles or J-1 cultural exchange programs. Visa sponsorship means the employer files necessary paperwork, allowing foreign workers to legally live and work in the U.S. for the duration of their employment contract.

2. Competitive Salary

Kitchen assistants typically earn between $10 and $17 per hour, depending on the state and employer. Some may offer performance bonuses or tips, especially in fast-paced, high-volume kitchens like hotels and resorts.

3. Health Insurance Benefits

While not guaranteed by law, many visa-sponsoring employers offer basic health coverage after a probationary period. This may include:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Sometimes life insurance or emergency coverage

4. Free or Subsidized Accommodation

To support foreign workers, many employers offer free shared housing or affordable rental support. This benefit can save hundreds of dollars per month, especially in high-cost cities like New York or San Francisco.

5. Travel Assistance

Some employers cover:

• Partial airfare
• Full return flights upon contract completion
• Airport pickup and local transport assistance

This is especially common in H-2B seasonal job placements.

6. Free or Discounted Meals During Shifts

Most kitchen assistant roles include at least one free meal per working shift, helping employees save on daily living expenses. In some cases, discounted cafeteria or staff meals are also available off-duty.

7. Overtime Pay & Extra Hours

The Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) requires overtime pay at 1.5x the regular hourly rate for hours worked over 40 in a week. This benefit can significantly boost monthly earnings for hardworking employees.

8. Multicultural Work Environment

Kitchen teams are often diverse, exposing workers to multiple cultures, languages, and cuisines. This experience enhances global awareness and interpersonal communication skills, especially useful in hospitality careers.

9. Paid Leave (Varies by Employer)

While not always available, some employers may provide:

• Paid sick leave
• Vacation time after 6–12 months
• Unpaid time off for emergencies

10. Social Security & Tax Compliance

Legally sponsored employees are enrolled in the U.S. system for:

• Social Security
• Medicare
• Federal & state taxes

This means you build a work history that may be useful if applying for permanent residency later.

Demand of Kitchen Assistant Job:

• Entry-level access to the global culinary industry
• Opportunity to grow into roles like line cook, sous-chef, or kitchen supervisor
• Cultural exposure and hands-on learning in international cuisines
• Legal pathway to live and work in the U.S. through visa sponsorship

Visa Sponsorship:

Certain U.S. employers, particularly large hotel chains and hospitality groups, are open to sponsoring foreign kitchen assistants through temporary work visa programs like the H-2B visa.

H-2B Visa Overview:

• For non-agricultural temporary workers (including hospitality staff)
• Requires a U.S. employer to prove no local workers are available
• Duration: Up to 1 year, extendable to 3 years
• Includes employer-paid transportation and housing in many cases

Tip: Look for listings mentioning “H-2B visa sponsorship” or apply through approved seasonal job agencies.

How to Apply for Visa Sponsor Kitchen Assistant Jobs in USA 2025?

To apply for kitchen assistant jobs in the USA with visa sponsorship:

• Find Employers Offering Sponsorship
  Look for U.S. companies approved for the H-2B visa or check job boards that specialize in international hiring.
• Prepare a Strong Resume
  Include kitchen skills, prior experience (if any), English proficiency, and availability.
• Apply Through Official Job Portals or Employer Websites
  Use trusted sites like:
  • SeasonalJobs.dol.gov
  • Indeed, Glassdoor, or employer career pages
• Attend Interviews
  Some employers may interview online or through recruitment agencies in your country.
• Wait for Visa Processing
  If selected, the employer will initiate your visa paperwork with the U.S. Department of Labor and USCIS.

More Info

Conclusion:

Kitchen assistant jobs in the USA are more than just stepping stones—they’re a gateway to the culinary field and a pathway for motivated individuals seeking visa-sponsored roles abroad. Whether you’re starting your career or seeking a fresh opportunity, the U.S. hospitality industry welcomes hardworking, detail-oriented team players.

Frequently Asked Questions: